The first concern for parents who have decided to home school their children is the legality of homeschooling. Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, although the requirements for each state differ widely. To find out what the laws are in your state, visit the Home School Legal Defense Association online. This website provides a summary of the requirements for each state as well as a link to the entire law. Once you have determined what is required by your state board of education, research and choose a curriculum.
A second option for home schooled children is to have another trusted adult provide the schooling. This option may or may not be legal in your state. The laws concerning homeschooling in some states allow adults other than parents to administer homeschooling while others do not. Some states may also consider teaching by another adult a private school and have laws regulating that as well. Check the laws in your state to see if this option is legal.
Parents may also choose to have their child participate in an online or distance learning program. Two programs, K12 and Connections Academy, provide online learning for students across the country. Both programs utilize online teachers who provide lectures over the Internet. They each partner with regular school districts to provide the option of learning at home to students. Some online or distance learning programs also offer the option to take certain classes but not a full curriculum. A list of providers is found on the Home School Legal Defense Association, "Homeschooling Thru High School" website.
Correspondence schools also offer an option for learning at home without a parent teaching and choosing curriculum. Correspondence schools are generally available for high school studies only. The correspondences school provides all of the grading, testing and coaching for the student so that the parent does not have to.